All Roads Lead to Rome

It is basically true that once upon a time all roads did lead to Rome. Rome was the center of the trading world at one time; the center of great empires and the roads built by the emperors all led to Rome. Today we walked on the Appian Way, one of the main roads that led into the city!

We started the morning off, by braving the metro once again. I have really enjoyed using public transportation throughout my trip and I fully recommend you to try it as well! Once you get the system, it is not too hard! We went to the Castle Sant Angelo first. This huge building started in the 2nd Century AD, originally as a tomb for an emperor. No tombs were allowed inside of the city walls, so this tomb was built just outside of the city walls, across the river. It is a huge brick construction that later became a tomb for other emperors, as well as a fortress, a prison and even a last resort for a Pope under attack. Emily and I decided today that it was in fact a stair maze museum. Up and down stairs throughout the confusing building and although it provided for some amazing views of St. Peter's, there were very few artifacts and even fewer explanations of things throughout the circular castle. So we got turned around, lost and confused, but we made it through and enjoyed seeing the castle, although, I wouldn't put it high on your list whenever you visit Rome. (And trust me, I know you will get here one day, if you haven't been already, because after all, all roads lead to Rome!)

After a simple sandwich lunch, and some pistaccios we headed back to the metro. Since there are only two lines, they are really not that close to many major attractions. But today, we braved another line of transportation that we had not yet used in Europe, a bus! We took the metro to a bus stop where we got on a bus to take us to the Appian Way. This old, narrow cobble-stone road with brick tall brick walls on both sides is interesting to see, especially when you think of how much history; how many people have passed on this road.

There are several different catacombs in the area; we visited the catacombs of San Callisto. After purchasing our tickets, we waited around a few minutes for the English speaking guide. Our guides were older priests, carrying bamboo sticks to point things out to us. They were very enjoyable and guided us safely through the catacombs, telling our group interesting stories and facts along the way.

The catacombs are underground tombs, I believe he said that these were four different stories underground of tombs. On each of the heights, tombs are on both sides, four high along narrow passage ways. I cannot imagine how many people were once buried here, it would be thousands upon thousands. Our guide told us that altogether, in these catacombs alone there were 18 kilometers of pathways. Wow! I was happy to stay close to our guide as he led us through a very creepy, but interesting underground tomb! Thankfully it was not Halloween, nor was I on a ghost tour, so no hands reached out from the empty tombs. I'm not sure my heart would have made it through an event like that!

We made it safely back to the hotel where I think we will rest up for a bit before going out to see some of the main attractions of Rome at night, it should be lovely! Ciao!